St Luke's Charity Card Challenge ......

...  It's time for the November challenge at St Luke's Charity Card Challenge, and it is a sad one for us all.  This will be our last challenge, played entirely for fun, we are no longer accepting any new cards to sell for the hospice.  Tara explains the reasons here.

Our theme for this month is Traditional Christmas - I know I still have lots of cards to make, so the theme has helped me get a move on!!  I have two cards to share with you.

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - 2011 Hoiliday Ornaments
Inks: Versamark; Distress - Fired Brick
Spellbinders: Fleur de Lis Squares (S4-126) #4, Squares Lg (S4-126) #6, Lacey Squares (S4-295) #3, 2011 Heirloom Ornaments (S4-334) #3
Accessories: Design Paper - Papermania Classic Christmas Red; Gold embossing powder, Card from stash

I used this week's Mojo Monday - MOJO265 sketch for the layout, obviously going with the square!!!  There is very little stamping on this card - lots of layers with the different papers and vellum using my Spellbinder dies.  I finished off with a gorgeous gold bauble and simple red sentiment.  A traditional red and gold card!!

Stamps: My Favourite Things - Christmas set
Inks: Versamark; Distress - Black Soot
Spellbinders: Circles Sm (S4-116) #3
Accessories: Design Paper - Papermania Classic Black Christmas; Silver embossing powder, Card from stash

My second card is a little more contemporary with a black and silver colour theme.  I used this month's My Favourite Things - Guest Designer challenge - MFTGD1112 for the layout.  Once again there is very little stamping on the card, lots of papers though.  I stamped this fabulous text Christmas tree in Versamark, heat embossed in silver and then cut it out.  I added some distress ink to define the edges.

For more inspirational Christmas cards click on the links below:

Tara Cardwell, Jenny Mullens, Anne Forrest, Sylvie Colledge, and Lynne Atkinson.

We have a bumper prize for you this month - check out the photos!!  We look forward to seeing your cards for Christmas.

Before I sign off - I'd like to thank Tara for inviting me to join the team.  I've had a great time working with all the girls - it's been fun!!  See you soon.

Gingerbread kids ....

.... Morning - wishing all my friends in Blogland a very Happy Halloween!!  However, I'm in Christmas mode - got lots of cards to make and I've been playing Christmas CDs while making cards!!  Feeling so upbeat!  I've used two challenges to make this card:

• Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC121 designed by Jeanne Jachna
• CASology - CAS17 - where the cue word is "SUGAR"

Stamps: Oven Fresh Gingerbread Joy
Inks: Versamark; Stampin' Up! - Early Espresso
Spellbinders: Labels 15 (S4-291) #4
Accessories: Design Paper - Cosy Christmas free with Quick Cards Made Easy; SU Card - Crumb Cake; Glitter and card from stash

Jeanne's card is full of wonderful layers, papers, die cuts and ribbons, but the sketch is perfect for a clean and simple design too!  The Team at CASology reckon that we might be on sugar overload this week - they could be right :)  My card might not have too much clean white space, but it is a clean, simple design.  I used this sweet gingerbread paper, with a simple sentiment and two cute gingerbread kids.  I stamped both the solid and outline images in Versamark and heat embossed with clear powder, cut them out and attached them to the card.  I added the outline kid with dimensional tape.  If you look closely you can see there's some "sugar" on the kids too!!

Kathryn's school gets out early today because Northville has a huge Halloween celebration and most of the kids go!  I think the photos in the link are from last year - but it looks just as good this year.  Kathryn has gone to school in her costume - the kids are all paying $1.00 each and the funds raised go to Civic Concern. Jonathan has taken a half day and we will be going into town to take part in the fun.  It's going to be quite cold, but at the moment it is dry and the wind has dropped, so should be lots of fun.

Do come back later as it's time for the November St Luke's challenge.  See you there!!

Krafty Christmas ....

... Hi again - I've had a super morning and my new hairdresser, Jessie, is just brilliant.  So, so pleased with my cut and colour.  I've even managed to make another card today - another Christmas card.  I've used:

• Retro Sketches - RS35
• CAS-ual Fridays - CFC76 where the team would like us to make a CAS design using kraft

Stamps:  Stampin' Up! - Lovely as a Tree; Waltzingmouse - Compliments of the Season
Inks:  SU - Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Spellbinders: Grommet Tags (S4-322)
Accessories:  SU Card - Crumb Cake; WMS - Twine; Glitter and card from stash

This is one of the quickest cards I've made recently.  As soon as I saw the Retro Sketch, I knew which stamp I was using.  I've been wanting these super trees from Stampin' Up! for ages, but only got them a couple of weeks ago.  I think they'll be seen again!  I cut a piece of kraft card, shaped the corners then, using my stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the trees.  I added some glitter to the trees and ground to suggest a soft layer of snow.  I also gently rubbed some Whisper White pigment ink onto the edges of the card.  I finished off with this clean and simple label; while still in the die I added a touch of colour with a stipple brush and stamped the sentiment.  I attached the label with twine and mounted the whole image onto the card base with dimensional tape.

Before I go, I'd like to welcome a couple of new followers, Hello and Welcome to Therese and Shea Marshall - so pleased you joined me.  And that really is all for today.  See you soon.

Be Good ....

...  Good morning from a cold, wet and very blustery Northville.  I do hope all my blog buddies living in the path of Hurricane Sandy have made it safely through the night.  We haven't felt the full force here in Michigan, but we sure are getting some strong winds and cold rain.  Keep safe and warm, wherever you are.

I've made a Christmas card for this year's stash (I think you're going to be seeing lots of Christmas cards on here from now on), and I used a few challenges:

• CAS(E) this Sketch! - CTS3
• Do You Stack Up? - DYSU95 - to use embossing
• Waltzingmouse Christmas Card Challenge, September - WMSCCC09-12 - the challenge here is 3-2-1: 3 different WM stamps, 2 embellishments, 1 circle

When I saw this week's sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch I just knew which stamp I'd be using.  I love the Be Good Santa stamp!  

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Text-It!, Around Christmas Time, Very Vintage Christmas; Compact Sentiments

Inks: Memento - London Fog; Distress - Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick

Spellbinders: Pinking Circles Sm (S4-172) #5

Accessories:  Silver embossing powder; Card from Stash

I started by stamping the Santa image directly on the card base in Versamark and heat embossing with detail silver powder.  I coloured Santa's hat with Promarkers and then added some glitter and flock for the trim and his beard.  Next I stamped a subtle text background all over some white card and added some pink snowflakes!!  I cut the negative circle space in the white card, attached the panel to some red foil card and then recut the negative space.  Next I trimmed the long edges of the panel and lined the panel up with the stamped image.  Once in the right place, I attached the panel to the card and cut off the excess at top and bottom.  I finished off with a couple of crystal gems.  

I decorated the inside of the card too.  I kept it really simple, a frame of the red foil card with a heartfelt sentiment in grey to match the front.  

It's been really difficult trying to take a decent photo this morning - there's really not enough good natural daylight and using the flash tends to wash out the colours and make the foil card flare!!  I've got a reasonable close up of the Santa image here.  I'll try to get a better photo later today, but I'm not going to promise anything.

I think this fulfils all the WMS requirements: 3 stamps - text, snowflakes and Santa image; 2 embellishments - the two gems; 1 circle - the negative die cut and circular stamped image.  I think this was a really tough challenge!

I've got a nice day planned - I'm off to the hairdressers to have a cut and colour done.  Gotta hide those greys!!!  That's all for now.  Be safe!

Golden snowflakes ....

.... Morning - hope you all had a super weekend.  I managed to play in my craft room and made a much needed Christmas card for my stash.  I used two challenges to make it:

• Play Date Cafe Challenge - PDCC155
• Freshly Made Sketches - FMS58

Stamps:  Uniko Studio - The Hands of Time

Inks: Versamark; Stampin' Up! - Pool Party

Spellbinders: Pinking Circles Sm (S4-172) #5, Circles Lg (S4-114) #5

Accessories:  Papermania - Christmas Carol Gold Vellum; Gold detail embossing powder; SU Card - Soft Suede, Pool Party; Lakeland - Sentiment label

I made the card base from Stampin' Up! Soft Suede card and the mat from Pool Party.  The gold snowflake theme is a direct result of this lovely vellum.  I stamped the large doily in Versamark, heat embossed with detail gold powder and cut out with a plain circle.  While still in the die, I stippled on some Pool Party, then mounted the circle on a large pinked circle.  I stamped some smaller snowflakes on to the dark panel, embossed them and then added a simple banner sentiment that I've had in my stash for years!!!  I finished off with some pale green gems.  I decorated the inside of the card too - this the time snowflakes are stamped in Pool Party.  

We had a really great time yesterday.  Jonathan and I got to watch the Liverpool vs Everton football match which was brilliant!  Then Jonathan went out to a photo shoot while Kathryn and I headed to the cinema to see Frankenweenie.  Frankenweenie, directed by Tim Burton, is Disney's Halloween movie.  I'm not going to give a full review - sufficient to say it's brilliant, despite a few tears from Kathryn, we both enjoyed it.  If you're looking for a movie to see with the children at Halloween - this is it!!  

That's all for now - see you tomorrow.

CR84FN66 - Together Always .....

... Can you believe that it's almost the end of October - this month has flown by.  The upside is that it's time for our new CR84FN66 challenge.  I think our colours are really beautiful - grey, tan and cream.  The inspiration photos are courtesy of  Magnolia Rouge and are just gorgeous.  And isn't that quote from Dr Seuss just brilliant?

My card could be for a wedding or for an anniversary - I opted for a really luxurious look.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Florentine Frippery, Vintage Labels 25, Fancy Phrases
Inks: Versamark; Stampin' Up! - Crumb Cake
Spellbinders: Labels 25 (S5-077) # 3 and 4
Accessories:  Kanban Design Paper - Platinum Collection; Embossing powder - clear and silver; Ribbon and card from stash

I've had this Kanban paper in my stash for ages and decided that it was time to use some.  I love the combination of grey with silver flourishes - very elegant and the perfect background for my card.  I stamped the bottom layer of the frame in Versamark, heat embossed with detail silver powder and then cut it out with the matching die.  The top layer was stamped in Versamark and Crumb Cake and heat embossed with clear powder and die cut.  Then I stamped the sentiment "Together Always".  I used dimensional tape to adhere the smaller label to the base label.  I attached some cream satin ribbon to the card and then attached the label.  I finished off with a little satin bow - I actually made one that looks decent!!!  Oh yes, I added a few pearls too.

For more inspiration using our CR84FN66 colours, click on the links below or go directly to the CR84FN blog.

Mona Pendleton, Sue Lelli, Pauline Pollington, Heather Jensen, Andrea Matthews and Shannon White.

We will be having a quiet day today, just chilling together.  Whatever you plan to do today, enjoy!  See you soon.

Thanksgiving ...

... Hi, I hope you're all having a good day - I'm having lots of fun just chilling with the family.  Jonathan has been watching football (UK Premiership) on the TV, I've been crafting and Kathryn has been playing on her PC and chatting with friends in the UK.

Today's card has been made for two challenges - Colour Q - cQc160 with fabulous autumn shades and Mojo Monday - MOJO264 - great layout.

Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Four Seasons (Hostess set), Uniko - Wonderful Washi
Inks: SU - Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Spellbinders: Squares Lg (S4-126) #7, Circles Lg (S4-114) #4, Classic Scalloped Circles Sm (S4-125) #5
Accessories: Martha Stewart Punch; SU Design Papers - Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango; Uniball White Pigment pen; Card from stash

I did consider making a Halloween card with these colours, but opted instead for Thanksgiving - the colours are just so rich.  I don't have Kiwi Kiss so substituted Old Olive.  I cut a panel of Rich Razzleberry and attached it to the punched leaf border and adhered it to the card base.  I cut a square using my Nestie and added some faux stitching to define it.  I cut the large scalloped circle and mounted the stamped image onto it.  The image was coloured with Stampin' Up! pens and cut out with a circle Spellbinder die.  I finished off by making the banner with the Wonderful Washi stamps from Uniko - so pleased I got them - and some leaves and a pearl.

That's all for today, but do drop by later for the new CR84FN  challenge.

Cup of the Week ....

.... I am thrilled to bits to say that I won Cup of the Week at The Play Date Cafe - PDCC154 with my Halloween night cityscape card:

Full details of the card can be found here and it's on its way to the UK as I type.  I am very honoured to be selected, especially in the 3rd Anniversary week.  Thanks again to the PDCC Design Team!

A bit on the wild side ....

.... Well, it looks like the Indian summer is over - grey, much cooler and rather windy today.  But I suppose we ought to expect that at almost the end of October.  I'm fully recovered from yesterday's migraine and even managed to get some ironing and tidying done this morning - so feeling pleased with myself.  I also managed half an hour in my craft room after lunch.  I've made a card for three challenges:

• CASology - CAS16 - where the cue word  is "WILD"
• Colour Throwdown - CTD215
• Retro Sketches - RS34

Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Patterned Pets; Waltzingmouse - Compact Sentiments II

Inks: Versafine - Black Onyx; Memento - Tuxedo Black; Distress - Shaded Lilac

Accessories:  Martha Stewart border punch; Clear embossing powder; Stampin' Up! design paper - Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Certainly Celery; SU Pens - Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery; Card from stash

I have to admit that I've been a bit stuck with this week's cue word from CASology!  I immediately thought of wild animals and I have some stamps with wild animals, but they're so cute and not really ideal.  Then I thought of wild colours - neons, clashing colours, super vibrant - again didn't work for me.  Then I remembered my zany lizard stamp - wild animal and wild pattern - YES!!  I turned the sketch on its side so that the scalloped border was at the bottom of the card.  I like this week's Colour Throwdown challenge and think they're perfect for a wild, zany lizard!  I stamped the image in Versafine, heat embossed with clear powder and coloured with SU pens and distress ink.  I finished off with a simple sentiment.

One of the things that Kathryn is having to get used to here, is no half-term holiday.  At this time in the UK the schools have a week's break to allow the children and staff to recharge.  That doesn't happen here!!!  Although when I mentioned it to some of Kathryn's teachers, they rather liked the idea!!  Kathryn has a couple of short breaks coming up soon; Election Day - November 6th and then Thanksgiving - 22nd and 23rd November.  

That's all for now - see you soon.

With thanks ....

.... Hi - I'm running rather late today!  I woke this morning with a migraine and ended up going back to bed until midday, fortunately I managed to sleep it off, but the head is still feeling just a bit tender.  However, I did  get to play in my craft room and I christened one of my new WM sets!!  What's rather nice is that I used it on this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC120 - designed by Clare Buswell.  I did change the shape though!

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Camellia
Inks: Versafine - Vintage Sepia; Memento - Rich Cocoa; Distress - Peeled Paint
Spellbinders: Labels 24 (S4-353) #4
Accessories: Design Paper - Papermania Creative Tones - Raspberry Champagne; EK Success - Petal border punch; Clear embossing powder; Card from stash

I adore Camellias - they are among the first flowers of spring and they come in so many gorgeous shades of pink, red and white.

I selected this lovely tone on tone paper (a bit like a single camellia) for the background layer.  And I stamped the large camellia multiple times on different patterned paper in versafine, heat embossed with clear powder and then cut out the layers. I stamped the leaves on the same background paper, heat embossed and sponged with green.  I used the lovely Labels 24 to cut out a mount for the flower.  There are five layers in this pretty flower - you can see the depth in this picture.  I finished off with a simple sentiment from the set - love the shadow effect and added some pale green pearls (a gift from my blog buddie Renee).

It's been another glorious day here with sunshine, blue skies and birds singing!!  Apart from the breeze blowing around crispy leaves, you wouldn't know it was almost the end of October!!  Anyway, that's all for now - enjoy the rest of the day.

Off the edge leaves ....

... Morning!!! It's a gorgeous day today.  When I left the house this morning at 7.15am to take Kathryn to school it was dark and damp with wisps of mist in the air, but by the time I left school the sun was up, the roads were drying and it was already warm.  And as I type this the sun is shining, the skies are blue and it's already 15°C (59°F) - and it's going to get warmer!!!!  Yea, an Indian Summer!

The sun makes the leaves, or what's left of them, look gorgeous.  And I've got leaves on my card this morning.  I've made a Thanksgiving card for this year's stash and I've used two challenges to make it:

• CAS-ual Fridays - CFC75 - to make a card with items "off the edge"
• Less is More - LIM90 - where the theme is Autumn taking inspiration from the season, colours, festivals, etc

Stamps: My Favourite Things - Thankful Leaves; Waltzingmouse - Midnight Feast, Peace & Plenty
Inks: Distress - Dried Marigold, Spiced Marmalade, Vintage Photo, Rusty Hinge, Forest Moss, Wild Honey; Memento - Rich Cocoa
Dies: Die-namics - Fall Leaves
Accessories: Martha Stewart Punch; Papermania - Sunshine Papers (Tina Higgins); SU Card - Pear Pizzazz; Card from stash

I think I've decided that Autumn is my favourite season - the colours here have been absolutely magnificent.     I need quite a few Thanksgiving cards this year, so it was easy to decide the theme of my card.  I cut a piece of green card and punched the leaf border.  I cut a panel of cream card onto which I sponged some distress inks and then lightly spritzed with water.  I like the subtle dot effect this gives.  Then I used several word stamps - specifically autumn treats - to create the word panel, attached it to the green card and adhered it all to the card base.  Next I made my leaves.  I used printed papers from the Sunshine set, my new Die-namic dies and then stamped the leaves and veins.  I completed the embellishment with a pie - could be apple or pumpkin!!!  I finished off with a simple sentiment stamped on cream card and cut out.

I hope everyone has a good day today!  See you soon.

Dancing Skeleton .....

.... Hi!  Talk about a dull, grey day - that's what we've got here in Northville.  The upside is that it is very warm.  Still, I think I'd rather cooler and brighter.  Yesterday I thought I'd finished with Halloween cards, but it seems I was wrong.  I've made another - using two challenges:

• Dynamic Duos - DD25 where the colours are orange and black - see it's Halloween!!
• Clean & Simple Stamping - FTL213 

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Hocus Pocus

Inks: Versamark; Distress - Antique Linen

Dies: Memory Box - Dancing Skeleton

Accessories:  Stampin' Up! Design Paper - Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black; Cosmic Shimmer - Rich Gold;  White embossing powder, Glitter and card from stash

I spritzed some rich gold shimmer mist onto plain black card and allowed it to dry.  Then I stamped the greeting in Versamark and heat embossed that with detail white powder.  Next I cut three ribbons in SU design papers selecting different sides for each ribbon.  I distressed some white card with Antique Linen ink and then cut out the skeleton.  I ran the pieces through my Xyron and then attached them to the card finishing off with some glitter on the skeleton.  This was such fun to make!!!

That's all for now - I really ought to get some house stuff done!  See you tomorrow.